Personal Mobile Device as Ad hoc Set-Top Box for Television
OwnerYang Paninventor
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Abstract
In a basic form, a television renders programs received from channel content providers through cable or satellite. A personal mobile device is coupled to the television as an ad hoc set-top box. The personal mobile device takes control of television system and provides a network search capability. Personal media items stored in a storage unit of the device can also be rendered by the television. The personal mobile device renders a user interface through the television. A first screen of a user interface includes a channel selector, a network search engine and a personal media user interface.
Claims20
A media delivery system comprising:
- a. a basic television system including a television pertaining to rendering programs from channel program content providers;
- b. a personal mobile device connectable to the television through a communication link as an ad hoc set-top box pertaining to receiving media items from a communication network and to rendering received media items through the television, wherein said personal mobile device is a general purpose computing and communication device when said device is disconnected from the television;
- c. a user interface rendered to a user on the television by a processor of said personal mobile device, said user interface providing user selectable items including at least a network search engine and a channel selector;
- and
- d. a remote control device connectable to said personal mobile device.
A method of delivering a media item through a media delivery system comprising a television and a personal mobile device connectable to the television, comprising:
- a. operating the television for rendering channel programs from channel content providers;
- b. connecting the personal mobile device to the television through a communication link;
- c. displaying a user interface on the television by a processor of the personal mobile device, said user interface further comprising user selectable items comprising at least a channel selector and a network search engine;
- and
- d. selecting by the processor a media item through the user interface by a remote control device;
- and
- e. rendering by the processor selected media item employing the television.
A video program delivery system comprising:
- a. a television pertaining to rendering video programs from channel program content providers;
- b. a smart watch connectable through a communication link to said television pertaining to controlling operations of said television;
- c. a smart phone connectable to said smart watch through a communication link as a remote control device, wherein said smart phone through said smart watch providing a network interface for said television;
- and
- d. a user interface rendered to a user on said television by said smart watch, said user interface providing user selectable items including a channel selector, a network search engine and a personal media user interface pertaining to accessing at least video programs stored in a storage unit of said smart watch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.